HULL FC: Cusack reaping benefits of first full pre-season

Peter Cusack says he will reap the rewards of enjoying his first-ever full pre-season at Hull FC.

The 32-year-old prop will bring an end to his third full week of training tomorrow as Hull's preparations for the new season continue.

While in his third year with the club, Cusack is experiencing his first full pre-season after previously being allowed to train alone at home in Australia.

"This is the first time I've been at the club at this stage of pre-season and I am really enjoying being in with the boys from the start," Cusack told the Mail.

"I have always trained hard while I've been back home in Australia, but it is obviously not the same because you are never pushed as much.

"I think it is a great thing for me to be here for all of pre-season and I expect to make the most of it."

Hull overseas contingent have in the past only arrived following Christmas back home, but a change in club policy by coach Richard Agar this year means the entire Black and Whites squad minus Sean Long and Tom Briscoe are already in full training.

The additions to training this morning of Cusack's good friends Mark O'Meley and Craig Fitzgibbon has given Agar the chance to work with his entire squad as early as November, a full seven weeks earlier than previous years.

With a new-look squad following last season's clear out of 10 players, the Hull coach is keen to forge a new team morale and cohesiveness as preparations for the new campaign are stepped up.

"One of the keys is we get to know each other and training together for three months, not like in previous years, means we can do that," added Cusack.

"To have the full squad together before Christmas is a big benefit. It allows everyone to get to know each other and build partnerships and relationships."

The season will feel much closer to the players this week following the announcement of the new fixtures, but is an already confirmed fixture which Cusack admits has caught his eye.

"I'm already looking forward to the trial games and the fact we have a first hit out against Hull KR for Rich Horne's testimonial.

"KR finished in the top four last season so that game will give us a good gauge of how far we have come and how far we have to go with our preparations.

"We know it won't be a friendly as such because it is a derby, but that is great for the players and the fans to have something to look forward to."